Ogier Defies the Odds to Become the Undisputed King of Rally Sardinia

Sebastien Ogier achieved a historic fifth victory at Rally Sardinia, successfully overcoming numerous challenges, including a poor starting position and fierce competition from Hyundai’s Ott Tanak. Despite setbacks, Ogier’s pace proved formidable, securing the win and moving up in the championship standings, while rivals Evans and Rovanpera managed to gain key points in a challenging race.

Sebastien Ogier has once again etched his name in the annals of rally history, claiming a record fifth victory at Rally Italy Sardinia this past weekend. Heading into the event as an underdog, Ogier navigated a series of challenges, reinforcing his legendary status in the sport. His triumph leaves rivals Hyundai still chasing their elusive first win of the 2025 season.

Despite a less-than-ideal road position and Toyota’s choice to forego a test day, the odds were stacked against Ogier. Yet, with eight World Rally Championship titles under his belt, he’s proven time and again he relishes the challenge. Before the rally, he described the task ahead as “super difficult,” particularly with Hyundai’s success in recent years on this tough terrain.

The rally was far from straightforward; Ogier faced stiff competition not just from nature but from fellow driver Ott Tanak. The duo fought a fierce battle over the stages. Tanak had previously suffered a power-steering failure in Portugal, which left Ogier wary. Nevertheless, this time around, Ogier’s speed shone through.

“It has been a very strong weekend and we can be very proud of that,” Ogier remarked. He highlighted the intense satisfaction of coming out on top against Tanak, admitting it is rewarding to outpace a driver of Tanak’s competitive nature.

Ogier’s performance in Sardinia was particularly commendable. He defied his third position on the road to secure the lead after the first stage. Despite losing that lead temporarily due to visibility issues—thanks to Fourmaux’s recovery after a puncture—Ogier remained stalwart, confident that he would regain his lead due to event rules regarding notional time.

Even after challenges, Ogier managed his rally with an experienced touch, maintaining calmness under pressure. His ability to balance risk and reward once again came to the fore during the weekend, clearly demonstrated when he lost time but remained focused on the eventual outcome.

Tanak, meanwhile, emerged as Hyundai’s best bet after others faltered. He pressed hard, even showing promise with stage wins, yet a puncture on stage nine took a significant toll. On Sunday, Ogier faced a moment of tension when he had to reverse his car from bushes during the final stages; still, it didn’t derail his victory, finishing just 7.9 seconds ahead of Tanak.

All of this boosts Ogier’s standing in the championship, moving him closer to the top with his 64th career win. After just four rallies this season, he is now ranked second, trailing Elfyn Evans. Yet, he maintains plans to race only half a season, adding an intriguing twist for his competitors.

For Evans and Kalle Rovanpera, the rally presented a challenging scenario, particularly as both anticipated the road-cleaning effects from earlier drivers. Nevertheless, they strategically limited their losses while securing important points. Rovanpera managed to finish third, boosting his tally in the championship race.

Evans, leading the circuit, had a mixed bag of results but remained optimistic about the overall standings. Even with crucial slip-ups hindering his path, he’s well aware that the competition remains fierce.

Another notable point from the weekend was a new stage added to the rally that wreaked havoc among competitors, leading to a series of mishaps. Neuville and Fourmaux were among those affected, showcasing the unpredictable nature of rally racing. Overall, while Ogier is celebrated for his success, the challenges faced by others reflect the intensity and unpredictability that make rally events so compelling.

Sebastien Ogier’s record fifth win at Rally Italy Sardinia reaffirms his status as a top contender in the World Rally Championship. Facing severe challenges, he deftly navigated obstacles, even fending off fierce rival Ott Tanak. Meanwhile, rivals Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanpera managed to secure important championship points despite personal hurdles. The rally highlighted both the unpredictability of the sport and Ogier’s relentless drive to succeed.

Original Source: www.autosport.com